Creating a Focal Point: 6 Features to Elevate Your Bathroom Design

Bathrooms are spaces that need to be functional. After all, it's one of the most used rooms in a home, requiring a blend of efficiency, comfort and practicality. However, designing a functional bathroom doesn't mean creating a boring space. There are plenty of ways that you can use to make it a captivating retreat. One of them is adding a focal point. 

Focal points add visual interest and serve as design anchors, improving the overall appearance of any room. They help add style, individuality, and personality to an otherwise plain place. Aside from being attractive, focal points can also be practical. For example, a beautiful bathtub can provide a calming environment, whereas a statement bowl wash basin combines usefulness and visual effect. Furthermore, these components allow you to show off your personal style and preferences. Whether in the form of vibrant colours, elaborate patterns, or one-of-a-kind fixtures, these elements express your personality.

Let's take a look at some focal point ideas that you can use to elevate your bathroom design. 

Vessel Sink

A vessel sink can be a great option for creating a beautiful focal point in your bathroom, adding a touch of elegance and modern style. Its unique design, sitting above the countertop like a sculptural piece, instantly elevates the space and creates a luxurious feel. 

When it comes to style, the options are plentiful. Common options include: 

• Round and oval style - classic shapes that add softness and elegance to the space. They are ideal for bathrooms with traditional to contemporary designs. 

• Square or rectangular styles -  offer a sleek, modern look that is perfect for a minimalist or industrial-style bathroom where clean lines and angles are key. 

• Glass styles - can feature vibrant colours or intricate patterns, adding an artistic and decorative touch. They work well in contemporary or eclectic designs.

• Stone styles - made from materials like marble, granite, or onyx, stone sinks bring a natural, organic feel to rustic or spa-inspired bathrooms.

• Ceramic styles - a versatile choice with simple, clean lines, ceramic sinks fit into both modern and traditional spaces.

When shopping for this type of sink bathroom, keep in mind that its shape and material should complement your countertop and fixtures to create a harmonious design.

To make your vessel sink stand out even more, instead of the usual white sink, choose a vivid hue that contrasts with the colour scheme of your bathroom. Dark tones like solid black or deep navy can create a sophisticated, modern design, while bright colours like teal or gold can lend a lively and energetic touch. 

For a more subtle look, consider a neutral-coloured sink with unique patterns or details. A sink bathroom model with modest marbling or metallic elements can provide depth and interest without taking over the space. 

Freestanding Bathtub

A freestanding bathtub not only enhances the luxury of a bathroom but also serves as a stunning focal point. Its standalone design immediately draws the eye, creating a sense of elegance and relaxation. 

Where you place the tub plays a crucial role in maximising its impact, but this, of course, will depend on the size and layout of your bathroom. When positioned in the centre of the room, a freestanding bathtub helps creates a balanced, spa-like atmosphere. If the bathroom has a large window with a view, placing the tub nearby can offer a serene, natural backdrop while bathing. For smaller bathrooms, placing the tub against a feature wall can still make it stand out without overwhelming the space. 

Featured Wall

A featured wall in the bathroom will instantly become a visual focal point, adding depth and personality to the room. You can create one behind the vanity, in the shower, behind the bathtub, behind the toilet or adjacent to the entryway. To create a featured wall you can use vivid mosaic tiles, hand-painted ceramic tiles, or a bold wallpaper that compliments the room's overall style. 

Large Mirror

A large mirror can effortlessly become the focal point of your bathroom, transforming the space by adding depth, light, and a touch of elegance. To make it stand out, choose a mirror that complements your bathroom’s style while making a statement. For modern or minimalist spaces, opt for sleek, frameless designs that create a seamless look. In more traditional or rustic bathrooms, mirrors with ornate or wooden frames add character and warmth. Size matters too – a mirror that spans the width of your vanity or covers a substantial portion of the wall will draw attention and make the room feel more spacious. Also, consider functionality: Light-up mirrors not only enhance the ambience but also provide useful, flattering lighting.

Unique Lighting Fixtures

Lighting fixtures can serve as an unexpected yet striking focal point in a bathroom, transforming the space with both illumination and style. Bold, statement lighting—such as an oversized pendant, chandelier, or a sleek modern sconce—immediately catches the eye and sets the tone for the entire room. 

When choosing a lighting fixture, consider the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. For contemporary or minimalist designs, opt for fixtures with clean lines, geometric shapes, or metallic finishes to maintain a sleek, polished look. In more traditional or eclectic spaces, vintage-inspired fixtures or ornate chandeliers can add warmth and personality. Layered lighting, combining overhead, task, and accent lights, helps create depth and highlights key features. Whichever style you choose, ensure the lighting not only complements the room but also provides the right level of brightness, balancing form and function to make your bathroom truly shine

Beautiful Artwork

Another great approach to make your bathroom stand out is to include artwork. Hanging a large piece of art above the toilet can divert attention away from less appealing elements and add a sense of sophistication. Choose pieces that aren't extremely pricey or irreplaceable, as the dampness in the bathroom may cause damage to the piece. Hang artwork at a height that draws attention away from less appealing aspects while keeping the focus on your selected focal point. 

Final Words

When adding a focal piece to your bathroom, make sure you find a balance and keep the whole design coherent. Also, choose a focus area that complements the bathroom's existing design. This will help you turn your bathroom into a visually appealing and captivating refuge that reflects your personal taste and style. 

By carefully selecting and executing these main areas, you can change your bathroom into a visually appealing and compelling refuge that embodies your particular taste and personality.